Means for adjusting intermediates.



No. 735,108. PATENTED AUG. 4, 1903.

Q 0. JUNGGREN & D. G. GARROWAY.

MEANS FOR ADJUSTING INTERMEDIATES.

APPLICATION FILED DBO. 1, 1902.

2 SHEETSSHEBT 1.

N0 MODEL.

i ll I lnvenCors OscarJunggren, David 6.6 rrowa p inesses.

No. 735,108. PATENTED EUG. 4, 1903.

0. JUNGGREN & D. G. GARROWAY. MEANS FOR ADJUSTING INTERMEDIATES.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 1. 1902.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

uonmsw: maurnouwnsnmoronor UNITED STATES Iatented August 4, 1905 3.

PATENT OFFICE.

OSCAR JUNGGREN AND DAVID C. GARROWAY, OF SCHENECTADY, NEW

YORK, ASSIGNORS TO GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, A CORPORA- TION OF NEW YORK.

MEANS FOR ADJUSTING INTERMEDIATES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 735,108, dated August 4, 1903. Application filed December 1,1902. Serial No. 133,374. (No model.)

To (@ZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that we, OSCAR J UNGGREN, a citizen of the United States, and DAVID C. GARROWAY, a subject of the King of Great Britain, both residing at Schenectady, county of Schenectady, State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Means for Adjusting Intermediates, of which the following is a specification.

In operating elastic-fluid turbines, more especially of the jet type, it is important to have small clearances between the stationary and moving buckets in order to red uoe leakage to a minimum. The stationary buckets are usually divided into sets, each set of buckets having a single support. The number of buckets in a set depends principally upon the power to be developed by the machine, but also upon other conditions which need not be enumerated. One or more sets of intermediate buckets are situated between the rows of adjacent wheel-buckets, and the buckets of the several sets are situated in a manner to properly direct the motive fluid in its course through the machine. The temperature of a turbine rises when in use, and this sometimes renders it necessary to adjust the intermediate buckets owing to the unequal expansion of the parts. It is highly desirable to make this adjustment while the machine is in operation, but for various reasons it is impracticable with existing structures. Frequently the intermediate buckets and their supports weigh upward of five hundred pounds and cover an arc whose chord is from three to four feet in length. The clearances between each side of the intermediate buckets and the wheel-buckets are frequently as small as .02 of an inch,increasing to .05 of an inch in other cases. Considering that the wheels commonly have a bucket speed of upward of four miles per minute, an idea of the delicacy of the operation of adjusting can be had. Under these conditions when the moving and stationary buckets on their supports are brought into substantial contact the buckets or their support will melt down, due to the heat caused by the great friction. In order to avoid such disastrous results,it has been customary heretofore to shut the turbine down before makingany adjustments. The intermediates are usually covered by a plate that is detachable from the outside of the casing. In order to make a tight joint, this plate is frequently held in place by from twenty to thirty bolts. Obviously it takes considerable time to loosen all of these bolts and tighten them again, and as the cover-retaining bolts frequently act as retaining means for the intermediates the difficulties of adjusting are increased. Another thing which adds to the difficulty of adjusting While the turbine is in operation is the fact that the wheel-casing is under a pressure more or less great, depending upon the character of the turbine. The number of stagesis also importantin this connection. Releasing the tension on the bolts Which hold the cover in place admits air to the casing, which impairs the vacuum when a condenser is used. Since with turbines employed to drive lighting-generators and the like it is at times imperative to keep them in continuous operation, sometimes for twenty-four hours per day and for weeks at a time, the necessity of a satisfactory adjusting means for the intermediates is obvious.

Our invention has for its object to provide a means whereby the intermediates of a turbine can be quickly and accurately adjusted by means located external to the turbine casing, and this without interfering with the operation.

In so far as we are aware we are the first to provide a turbine having revolving buck ets and a stationary intermediate located within the casing with means extending through the casing whereby the intermediate can be adjusted toward or away from the wheel-buckets directly orindirectly from the outside of the wheel-casing without relieving the pressure within the casing or admitting air thereto, and in this regard the claims are to be construed as generic.

In carrying out ourinvention the buckets or nozzles of the intermediate are situated between rows of wheel-buckets and the intefme- ICO ed on the shell and capable of independent movement is the support for the intermediate buckets; Extending through the casing from the outside to the intermediate are one or more means for moving the support or for both moving and clamping it in place, as desired. The adjusting means are preferably so constructed that they make a substantial movement for a very small movement of intermediate. In this manner the likelihood of an improper adjustment is minimized. In order to minimize the difiiculty of adjusting the intermediate, two adjusting means are provided, one at or near each end, and the means are preferably, although not necessarily, connected for synchronous movement. The adjusting means preferably form a part of the clamping means, thus materially reducing the number of parts, and consequently the cost of construction. To show the position of the intermediate and to facilitate adjustment, indicators are provided that are situated external to the wheel-casing.

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an embodiment of our invention, Figure 1 is a partial section ofa turbine, taken on the plane of the wheel. Fig. 2 is a partial view in elevation, showing the means for adjusting and clamping the intermediate. Fig. 3 is a transverse section of the intermediate, showing the buckets and means for adjusting. Fig. 4 is a detail view of'the cam employed to move the intermediate, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cam and means for operating it.

1 represents the casing ofa turbine, which may be provided with one or more projections 2, to which the covers 3are secured byanumber of bolts 4. Between the cover and the projectionisagasket,whichinsnresatight steamjoint at this point. The under side of the cover is provided with an ext-ension5, which is provided with a flat finished surface or surfaces 6. These surfacesv extend parallel to the wheel shaft and are of somewhat restricted area, but ample to furnish a seat for the intermediate-bucket support 7. The intermediate-bucket support is provided with finished surfaces 8, also of limited area, which engage with the finished surfaces 6. By means of this arrangement the amount of machine-work necessary in completing the apparatus is reduced to a minimum. The

intermediate-bucket support 7 is arranged to receive a segmental piece 8, having a curved face, to which a section 9 of intermediate buckets is detachably secured. These buckets may be of any suitable construction and are arranged to receive the motive fluid from one bucket-wheel 10 and deliver it to an adjacent wheel after having reversed the direction of the stream. In addition to the function above referred to the buckets may actto expand the motive fluid to a greater or less extent. When the fluid-discharging devices are employed to deliver fluid to a wheel without reversing it or to expand as well as deliver the steam, they function in the same manner as a nozzle, and in using the term intermediate we desire to be understood as including this as well as those intermediates which receive and reverse the direction of the stream of motive fluid and also those which reverse the direction of the motive fluid stream and expand it. In using the term intermediate we do not confine ourselves to any particular number of nozzles or buckets in a row or to any particular number of rows of nozzles or buckets, since the number can be duplicated ad Zz'bitum.

The intermediate or stationary buckets 9 may be formed integral with their support by casting, or they may be cut out of the solid stock by suitable machines. The particular construction of the buckets is immaterial to the present broad invention. The buckets in the present illustration are secured to the support? by means of bolts 12. (Shown in dotted lines.) The supports 7 are recessed at 13 to receive the cams or eccentrics 14, and each eccentric is mounted on a shaft 15, which makes a loose flt with the support 7. The object in separating the shaft 15 from the support by a small space is to enable the latter to be moved slightly for the purpose of adjusting the buckets.

In order to reduce the number of parts to a minimum and also to simplify the adjusting and clamping of the intermediate, we arrange the parts in such a manner that the shafts 15, which are employed to adjust the intermediate, are also employed to clamp it in place. The shafts 15 are preferably situated at or near the ends of the intermediate-support, and each is secured to a cam or eccentric 14:, which engages with the face of the recess 13 and also the side walls. The outer end of each shaft is screw-threaded to receive the hand wheel 16, which also acts as a nut. When the nuts are seated in place, it is obvious that the surfaces 6 and 8 will be firmly held in contact and movement of the intermediates will be prevented. Mounted on the end of each shaft is a lever 1'7, by means of which the shaft can be rotated for the purpose of moving the cams. Each lever is preferably, although not necessarily, provided with a pointer 18, which moves over a dial 19, the object being to provide the operator with some means for indicating the exact position of the bucket-support. It is preferable to so arrange the parts that an extended movement of the lever 17 will impart onlyalimited movement to the intermediate and in this manner avoid the danger of overadjustment.

In order to insure synchronous movement between the opposite ends of the intermediate, we find it desirable to connect the levers 17 by an adjustable rod 20. In the present instance the rod is adjusted by means of a turnbuckle 21; but any other means may be employed, if desired. It is advantageous to provide some sort of an adjusting means in this rod in order to compensate for minor inaccuracies in construction. It will also enable the parts to be adjusted in case they get out of line for any reason.

Referring to Fig. 3, 22 represents the highpressure nozzle for delivering motive fluid to the moving and stationary buckets. The nozzle may or may not be of the expanding type, as desired. The nozzle is arranged to deliver a steam or streams of fluid to the working passages undera relatively high velocity, and the velocity of the jet is fractioually abstracted by the moving or wheel buckets 10, the stationary or intermediate buckets 9 acting to discharge the fluid against the wheel-buckets. The moving and stationary buckets are separated from each other by small clearances. In the drawings these clearances have been somewhat exaggerated for the purpose of illustration; but in actual practice we find that the clearance should vary from about .02 to .06; but we do not wish to be understood as limiting ourselves to these or any particular clearance.

Referring to Fig. 4, lindicates the cam or eccentric engaging with the side walls of the recess 13, and 15 the shaft. For the purpose of illustration the amount of eccentricity has been somewhat exaggerated. In order to prevent the intermediate from moving longitudinally when adjusted, stationary guides 23 are provided, which are carried by the cover 5 or are secured to a suitable support.

In Fig. 5 we have shown the operating parts in perspective, wherein 14 is the cam or eccentric, 15 the shaft, 16 the hand wheel or nut, 17 the operating-lever, 18 the pointer, and 19 the dial-plate.

It is to be noted that the actuating mechanism for the intermediate is accessible from the outside of the turbine-casing and that the cover 3 with all of its retaining-bolts 4 does not have to be disturbed.

As the turbine becomes heated in service the relative positions of the parts are changed somewhat, owing to the unequal expansion, and it then becomes necessary to readjust the parts. To accomplish this, the nuts 16 are revolved backward by a small amount, which releases the friction-surfaces 6 and 8. When this is done, the operator grasps the levers l7 and rotates the shafts until the indexes show that the intermediate has been moved a proper amount. When the levers 17 are operated separately, it is evident that one end of the intermediate can be moved in one direction and the other end moved in the other direction to a slight extent; but where the rod 20 is employed the movements are simultaneous and in the same direction. Where relatively unskilled help is employed, it is desirable to provide the connecting-rod, for in this manner the proper adjustment can always be secured, it being assumed that the levers are properly connected at the start. After the intermediates have been adjusted to the proper position the nuts 16 are re-.

seated, which clamps the support 7 firmly against the cover. The angular movement which it is necessary to give to the levers 17 can readily be determined by calculation or experiment.

By reason of our improved construction the intermediate buckets can be quickly readjusted even when the turbine is in operation and without opening the casing to the atmosphere, which is objectionable for obvious reasons.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes we have described the principle of operation of our invention, together with the apparatus which we now consider to represent the best embodiment thereof; but we desire to have it understood that the apparatus shown is only illustrative and that the invention can be carried out by other means.

What we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is-

1. In a turbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket-wheel, a device situated within the casing for receiving motive fluid and delivering it to the wheel, and means external to the casing for adjusting the position of said device toward and away from the wheelbuckets without opening the casing.

2. In a turbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket-wheel, a device situated within the casing for receiving motive fluid and delivering it to the wheel, and means external to the casing for moving the device toward or away from the wheel without opening the casin g.

3. In a turbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket wheel, an intermediate situated within the casing, and means external to the casing and situated at opposite ends of the intermediatesioradjusting the intermediates without opening the casing.

4. In a turbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket-wheel, an intermediate, means for adjusting the intermediate without disturbing the casing, and means for clamping the same in place, both of said means being external to the casing.

5. In a turbine, the combination of a casing having a finished interior surface, a bucketwheel, an intermediate, a support for the intermediate which engages with the finished surface on the casing, means external to the casing for moving the support,and means also external to the casing for clamping the support in place.

6. In a turbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket-wheel, an intermediate, a cam for adjusting the intermediate, and a lever exter* nal to the casing for moving the cam.

7. In aturbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket-wheel, an intermediate, a fixed carrier or support for the intermediate, and means extending through the support or carrier to the outside of the casing for clamping the intermediate in place.

8. In aturbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket wheel, an intermediate which is movable toward and away from the wheelbuckets, cams situated at opposite ends of the intermediate for adjusting it, shafts for moving the cams, and means for holding the shafts against movement.

9. In a turbine, the combination of a casing having an opening, a cover therefor, inter mediate buckets which are inserted into the casing through the opening, means carried by the cover for supporting the intermediates, means external to the casing for adjusting the intermediates, and a bucket-wheel.

10. In a turbine, the combination of a cas ing, a bucket-wheel, an intermediate situated within the casing, and cams for adjusting the intermediate. I

11. In a turbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket-wheel, an intermediate situated within the casing, cams for moving the intermediate toward or away from the wheel-buckets, and means for actuating the cams.

12. In a turbine, the combination of a casing,abucket-wheel, an intermediate arranged in the arc of a circle and in proximity to the wheel-buckets, a support for the intermediate having a fiat surface that extends parallel to the wheel-shaft, means for moving the intermediate with respect to its support, and means accessible from the outside of the casing for clamping the intermediate in place.

13. In a turbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket-wheel, an intermediate, means for adjusting the intermediate from opposite ends, and a device for causing corresponding movements of said means.

14. In a turbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket-Wheel, an intermediate, cams situated at opposite ends of the intermediate for adjusting it with respect to the wheel, shafts for moving the cams, and nuts for holding the shafts in fixed positions.

15. In a turbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket-wheel, an intermediate, a support for the intermediate, means for adjusting the intermediate toward or away from a given row of buckets, and guides which direct the movements of the intermediates.

16. In a turbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket-Wheel, an intermediate, a support therefor havingrecesses,attachingmeans for the intermediate which are provided with enlargements that are located in the recesses, and holding devices for said means.

17. In a turbine, the combination of a casing having an opening, a cover for the opening which is normally secured to the casing and is provided with a bearing-surface, an intermediate that is movable on said surface, means carried by the cover for adjusting the intermediates, and clamping means also carried by the cover for holding the intermediate in place.

18. In a turbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket-wheel, an intermediate that is movable with respect to the wheel, a means for adjusting the intermediate, and a device carried by said means and situated outside of the casing for indicating the position of the intermediate.

19. In a turbine, the combination of a casing, a bucket-wheel, an intermediate, a support therefor, an ad j usting-shaft for the support, and a clearance between the shaft and the support. 7

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands this 29th day of November, 1902.

OSCAR JUN GGREN. DAVID C. GARROWAY.

Witnesses:

EDWARD WILLIAMS, J r., HELEN ORFORD. 

